News release

Province Signs Sister Agreement with Fujian, China

Premier's Office
Intergovernmental Affairs

Nova Scotia companies, educational institutions and cultural groups pursuing opportunities in China will have better access with the signing of a new sister agreement between the province and Fujian, China.

Premier Stephen McNeil and Fujian Governor Wang Ning met virtually and signed the formal twinning agreement today, Dec. 21 The agreement strengthens the provinces’ current relationship and helps businesses and organizations pursue new partnerships in trade, investment, science and technology, culture, education, sport and health care.

“We value the relationships we have built in Fujian and look forward to continuing to work together to create mutually beneficial opportunities,” said Premier McNeil. “This relationship is significant as Nova Scotia looks at its post-pandemic economic recovery.”

Canada’s ambassador to China, Dominic Barton, China’s ambassador to Canada, Cong Peiwu, and departmental and university leaders from both provinces, also attended today’s virtual event.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell signed a memorandum of understanding to further develop business opportunities between Fujian and Nova Scotia, including new in-store lobster promotions leading up to Chinese New Year’s celebrations for 2021.

In 2016, the province launched the Nova Scotia-China Engagement Strategy to help develop a relationship with one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. In 2019, exports to China were valued at almost $1 billion, making China Nova Scotia’s second-largest trading partner.

Quotes:

“Dalhousie values the long-standing academic relationships we have with universities in Fujian. Today’s event acknowledges our ongoing commitment to international academic collaboration and the valuable research and learning opportunities it provides our faculty and students.”

– Deep Saini, president and vice-chancellor, Dalhousie University

Quick Facts:

  • more than 39 million people live in the province of Fujian, on the coast of southeast China
  • it is the second Chinese province to sign a twinning agreement with Nova Scotia, after Guangdong in 2018
  • Fujian is a major buyer of Nova Scotia seafood in China
  • exports from Nova Scotia to China totalled $994 million in 2019 compared to $197 million in 2013; Nova Scotia’s premium seafood accounts for more than half the total value

Additional Resources:

The Nova Scotia-China Engagement Strategy: https://novascotia.ca/china/